The annual Police Unity Tour bike ride was May 10-12, from Richmond to Charlottesville, Warrenton and Centreville and on to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. It raised money and awareness for the Memorial fund and National Law Enforcement Museum honoring federal, state and local law enforcement officers who’ve died in the line of duty.

Prior to returning home Sunday, PUT rider Kevin Whalen of Centreville explained why the participants were willing to go through the grueling training, fundraising and 230-mile ride that included Mother’s Day.

“We are missing our Mother’s Day for a special reason and purpose,” he said. “We trained and biked on our own, personal time and away from our mothers and families. It’s tough for us, but we’re doing this for the mothers who lost their sons and daughters and husbands in the line of duty.”

“It’s special,” continued Whalen. “We do not take it for granted that we have not died in the line of duty. Think again of the families of our fallen officers. Thank your local officers for their service.”